PENDULUM:TIME TO END THE BLAME GAME

By Dele Momodu
 Fellow Nigerians, let us start today’s epistle with a real life story. Some years ago, a woman named Dr Kema Chikwe was appointed Minister of Aviation. Her mandate was to bring sanity to our insane airports across the country. It was as if we were a jinxed nation and nothing good could ever come out of our rudderless system. Dr Chikwe set out on her mission like Henry the Navigator. She mapped out her strategy meticulously and elaborately. Our airports were as hot as hell. All efforts to tranquilise the place and make it habitable for passengers proved abortive but Dr Chikwe was determined to succeed where others had failed miserably and woefully.


http://thebossnewspapers.com/pendulumtime-to-end-the-blame-game/

No end to the human tide of misery as 6,000 refugees arrive on Lesbos in just three days

As EU leaders were thrashing out a deal last night, the real crisis facing the Continent was laid bare.
Europol warned there could be up to 5,000 Islamist jihadis at large in the EU – and more than 2,000 migrants are arriving on the Greek island of Lesbos each day.
The British head of the EU’s crime-fighting organisation said the Continent was facing its biggest security crisis in ten years.


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3454726/More-2-000-migrants-arrive-Lesbos-just-ONE-DAY.html

Love! Floyd Mayweather falls for 19-year-old New Look sales assistant from the West Midlands

luxury hotels
Boxer Floyd Mayweather is known as much for his flashy lifestyle as his undefeated record in the ring.
The 38-year-old, who earned £200million in last year alone, boasts about splashing small fortunes on lavish parties, luxury jets and diamond-encrusted watches.
But it seems his heart belongs to someone whose life is far removed from his own world of excess.
The sporting superstar has fallen for 19-year-old shop assistant Rmarni Eliss, who caught his eye at a fan meet-and-greet in her hometown of Cannock, in the West Midlands.
And Mayweather is understood to be so smitten with Miss Eliss that he has whisked her off to join him as he criss-crosses the US on his private jet.
According to the Daily Mirror, the couple met at a fan event at Bar Sport on February 12, where she is understood to have paid £600 for a ticket to meet the sporting legend.
Photographs taken just hours later appear to show Miss Eliss, who works in her local New Look, sitting behind Mayweather in the back of a Rolls Royce as he leaves the venue.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3453778/Well-knock-Multi-millionaire-boxer-Floyd-Mayweather-falls-19-year-old-New-Look-sales-assistant-West-Midlands-whisks-U-S-40m-private-jet.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490

I’m Not Pregnant for Jude Okoye Says Cynthia Morgan

According to nigerianbulletin, Cynthia Morgan has debunked the rumours claiming that she is pregnant for Jude Okoye, her boss.
The German Juice crooner, who is signed to Jude Okoye’s Northside Inc Record Label, took to his twitter page saying:
http://www.nigerianbulletin.com/attachments/img_20160218_153530-png.71821/
 While some of the singer’s neighbours in Lagos alleged that she is pregnant, others allege that she is having an intimate affair with her boss, Jude Okoye, who recently got married.

Knocks For Manchester United In Europa Cup

This is not a good sign as Manchester United entered the Europa League for the last 32 after being knocked out of the Champions League
Manchester United produced another underwhelming display as they lost to Danish side FC Midtjylland in the first leg of their Europa League last-32 tie.
United were without a number of injured players, including Wayne Rooney, and lost David de Gea in the warm-up.
They took the lead through Memphis Depay's shot but Sergio Romero, who stepped in for De Gea, was unable to prevent Pione Sisto equalising.


http://m.bbc.com/sport/football/35548870

OMG! Little girl beheaded (very graphic photo)

According to LIB, A Facebook user Abdulmumin K. Suleiman posted this photo of a man who looked clearly beaten up, holding the head and body of a little girl. He didn't give much info. He only wrote: "What a heartless being, People with desperation. Don't want to Labour for daily bread. Sharp money. O God savee Us from this evil acts and the evildoers.. " The photo is very graphic! *viewer discretion advised*
http://www.lindaikejisblog.com/2016/02/little-girl-beheaded-very-graphic-photo.html?m=1

PMB Produced The Most Embarrasing Budget In History Says Sahara Reporters

Nigeria's 2016 budget is full of pork and maggots. Yet, ministers appear in front of the National Assembly to defend or/and disassociate themselves from their ministries' budgets. Dr. Damages digs into the journey of the budget and recommends those who should receive 12 lashes.
http://www.nairaland.com/2940790/buhari-produced-most-embarrassing-budget

Apple turns down court order to unlock gunman’s phone

Luxury mobile phone giants Apple has turned down a court order to help FBI investigators to access data on the mobile phone belonging to San Bernandino gunman Syed Rizwan Farook.
Apple seeks to contest a court order to help the FBI circumvent security software on Farook’s iPhone, which it said contained crucial information.
http://www.ripples.com.ng/apple-turns-down-court-order-to-unlock-gunmans-phone/

Ex UN Secretary General Boutros Ghali is dead

According to Ripples, One-time Secretary General of the United Nations Boutros Boutros-Ghali who served the world body in a topsy-turvy five-year term which ended in 1996 died Tuesday in his native Cairo, Egypt.
 As a sign of honour, the UN Security Council observed a minute of silence for the diplomat who was replaced by another African, Ghanaian Kofi Annan.

Plans To Put Anti Saraki Senators In Check Thickened In Senate

THE planned suspension of the spokesperson for the Senate President Unity Forum, Senator Kabir Marafa, over an interview he granted and published in the last week edition of Sunday PUNCH heightened tension at the Senate on Tuesday.
Marafa had in the interview declared his support for former President Olusegun Obasanjo over the issues he raised in his recent letter to both chambers of the National Assembly, especially on the need to make their budgets transparent and accessible to Nigerians.
But on the resumption of plenary after a two-week break on Tuesday, the Senator representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, Issa Missau, drew the attention of his colleagues to the publication, which according to him, was offensive.
Coming under matters of personal privilege, Missau, alleged that Marafa, by his comments, had infringed on his rights as well as the rights of others and deserved to receive an instant punishment from the Senate to serve as deterrent to others.


http://www.punchng.com/planned-suspension-of-anti-saraki-senator-heightens-tension-at-senate/

PSG 2 - Chelsea 1

According to BBC,
Mikel's goal was the first PSG had conceded at home in the Champions League this season
Edinson Cavani came off the bench to give Paris St-Germain the advantage after the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Chelsea.
The hosts went ahead through Zlatan Ibrahimovic's deflected free-kick.
But John Mikel Obi scored a precious away goal, capitalising on some terrible defending to sweep home a deserved leveller from six yards.

'Ali Modu Sheriff' Emerged As PDP Party's Acting Chairman

As revealed by Adeyanju Deji, Director, New Media of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has announced the appointment of former Borno state Governor and alleged boko haram sponsor , Ali Modu Sheriff as the Acting National Chairman of the party.
nigerianbulletin

WHY I LOVE NIGERIA by Adefemi

Living life with absolute focus on inner strength is the real value of accepting reality.
Nigeria is a country of great intellects with full strength of self made creatures in resilience and steadfastness.
Nigeria is a country that is located in the west Africa and is been adjudged to be the epitome of creativity and richness in Africa. These can be seen in Nollywood, banking, entertainment, education, health, sport etc.
Nigeria is blessed not with levity of resources but with the deep human and material resources.
Nigeria is a country of special love that is awesome with massive population. A country of good people great nation
Despite the level of challenges that we face as a nation, our joy within is beyond human understanding
I love Nigeria with passion! Nigeria is a good country, Nigerians are lovely, Nigerians are hard working, Nigerians are cultured, Nigerians are educated, Nigerians are inspired Nigerians are business oriented, Nigerians are philanthropist, Nigerians are loving and acceptable in the society.
I love Nigeria not because I live here but simple I am privilege to born in a country where absolute opportunity is given for every individuals to think within their immediate environment
Nigeria as a country has given me life and opportunity to stay focus and believe that hardwork pays
Many great people has shared their self story of happiness from grass to grace. One of them is Otunba Subomi Balogun who built an entity from the scratch and attain global status of a great entrepreneur.
All these cannot be possible if he does not give it a shot by believing in himself and Nigeria as a country
I love Nigeria because we are real and believe that nothing can be better than for us to stay focus on our strength.
I love Nigeria because God lives in this country with the wonderful nature and exceptional weather that cannot be compared to anywhere in the world
Nigeria is a country of assets and a country of true nature and reality for growth
I love Nigeria because there is an opportunity that hope is real for greater success
I love Nigeria because we are self made, we cannot be intimidated, we cannot be degraded.
Despite the massive challenges that always paint us bad in the committee of nations,
Our focus is real our joy knows no bound and we are good, great, nice and blessed.
I love Nigeria  I live Nigeria I breath Nigeria
By Adefemi Adesida

EFCC uncovers N6.2billion Abacha loot in Channels Island

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is on the trail of £22.5m (N6.18billion) loot which the late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha, is alleged to have stashed away on the tiny Island of Jersey, part of the Channels Island.
The anti-graft commission is also working to solve the riddle of the whereabouts of over $400million Abacha loot on the Island.
A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “We are probing the whereabouts of £22.5m (N6.18billion) loot of the late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha which was recovered from the Island of Jersey. The EFCC cannot locate where the money was remitted to.


http://www.ripples.com.ng/efcc-uncovers-n6-2billion-abacha-loot-in-channels-island/

Syria conflict: Two hospitals hit in new air strikes

Two hospitals have been hit in new air strikes in northern Syria, medics and witnesses say, causing a number of deaths and injuries.
In Azaz on the Turkish border, at least 10 people reportedly died, including several in one hospital building.
Medecins Sans Frontieres said eight staff members were missing after another attack in Maarat al-Numan.
The strikes come days after Russia and other world powers agreed to a limited cessation of hostilities in Syria.
Almost five years of civil war in Syria have led to the deaths of more than 250,000 people. More than 11 million people have been displaced.


BBC

When Love Isn’t Enough- By Reuben Abati

Article by Reuben Abati below...
It is that time of the year again in the month of February, when there is so much talk and excitement about romance and love, all in preparation for that special day dedicated to love, romance and dalliance, this very day, Valentine’s Day. The romantic propaganda can be really oppressive.
In the past few days for example, GSM service providers have insisted that the only ring tone that fits this season is the one that forces you to think of romance, just in case you may have forgotten. I didn’t solicit for the ringtone, but I got it all the same and I have had to listen to it, on other people’s lines, and I guess it doesn’t come free.


The GSM companies are making money selling Valentine messages. And that is the point: the frenzy over Valentine’s Day is commercial, capitalistic, and it is of course, global.  In the United States, even the White House is not left out, with the First Lady composing a poem for President Barack Obama on this special occasion. It is all mushy, lovey-dovey stuff. The eventual beneficiaries are the business outfits that produce printing cards, shirts, chocolates, cakes, the restaurants that will probably remain open till Feb. 15, not to talk of the companies that will benefit from the many phone calls, e-mails and text messages.

Sometimes, I find Valentine’s Day a bit suffocating, feminist, and discriminatory. This year’s celebration falls on a Sunday, otherwise it would also have been observed in schools including nursery and kindergarten schools. On a school day, all the pupils would have been instructed to dress up in red colour and to bring gifts for their friends.  The children are innocent but their teachers, especially in the private schools, initiate them into this annual ritual. Last year, there was so much red colour blinding the eyes on the streets. I also saw old men and women, even widows, joining the celebration, refusing to be left out of their share of the love in the air.  And later in the day of course, the restaurants usually take over and the ultimate show of chivalry is for a man to be seen taking his Valentine for candle-lit dinner, or to go on his knees and pop the question, or to exchange wedding vows on this special day.

It is as if this is the only day meant for love, and the flow of affection is generally understood around here to be from man to woman. The emphasis is not even on pure, unadulterated love; but physical romance. In everything there is a suggestion among the younger generation that a Valentine’s Day expression of love is the truest form of affection, which it is not.  The overwhelming focus on purchasing power as a measure of love and affection makes it worse.  This has resulted in some commentators lamenting that given the economic austerity in the land, Valentine’s Day this year may not be as exciting, because as the common saying goes, “there can be no romance without finance!”. In the past, a poem or a letter or a bouquet of flowers would do, but I hear, not anymore. Our new age Nigerian ladies no longer read love letters, nor are they interested in poetry- those forced rhymes and sweet nothings meant to make the heart flutter don’t seem to work anymore.  
These days, I have heard such comments as: “we have not received salary, how man go take do Valentine?” and I have seen a cartoon in which a husband tells his wife that they will be better off spending the whole day in church! It is perhaps more advisable to celebrate Agape, church love than to dig a hole in the pocket and tell stories that touch the heart later.
I am not against anyone celebrating love, but the desperation, the heartache and the sheer anxiety that now attends Valentine’s Day is a bit over the top. People should not have to borrow or rob a bank to prove that they love a woman. And this whole thing about romantic love is curious. In any relationship at all, physical love is not enough. It takes a lot more to build relationships.

It should be possible to spend Valentine’s Day with family members, friends, and other members of the community. And you shouldn’t have to wear red as if you are going to a Sango shrine, or appear like a masquerade, before anyone knows that you want to celebrate love.  How about a visit to the motherless babies’ home, or the prisons, hospitals, or a visit to the cemetery to remember your departed loved ones. Or quality time spent at home with the children or phone calls to old time friends to wish them well. Love should not be measured in loud decibels of a one-day excitement; it should be a value, extended in all kinds of relationships.

This is one lesson the excitable young crowd, that is going to troop out to the clubs and restaurants today, must learn, and which they will learn. They should ask the older generation. I doubt if there are many married men and women out there who are still having butterflies in their stomachs as they did many years ago, over a certain unknown St. Valentine. Real life teaches hard lessons.  The older generation would have learnt that love grows, and it fades, and it is better as a life-long experience, while romantic love is just one of many other kinds of love, including self-love, and this thing called love is not necessarily in real life, exactly as the Holy Book says it should be. 

       It is only in the Bible that love exists in such fantasy form as described in 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease, where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.”   In real life, love is proud, boastful, easily angered, expensive, self-seeking, vengeful…imagine the kind of atrocities that have been committed in the name of love!

As we mark this year’s Valentine’s Day, I think of the quality of love in our community, and it is sad that there is a damning scarcity of it.  Those who will observe the Valentine ritual, and may forget the subject of love by tomorrow morning, are in the majority: they claim to be good men and women, but they are not their brother’s keepers. They include young girls who will never be allowed to marry young men from other ethnic groups because of the deep-seated suspicions that have divided Nigerian communities into primordial camps of hate. We have parents, teachers, leaders and priests, who promote division rather than unity. We are a community of broken dreams and shattered hopes.  Hypocrisy has become a virtue.  Some of the young people change their partners every Valentine season, collecting Valentine gifts like they are striving to build a museum of romantic encounters. Many of those who will profess love today do not even know what it means.


And yet we are a religious society and all the religions teach love as an important virtue and value. But I doubt if anyone listens. Even the religious leaders are guilty.  One so-called 50-year old Pastor Amakiri has just been accused of raping a 12-year old child. He saw a vision that he needed a “holy massage” to be administered by a young girl between the ages of 12-15, on his “badly aching waist.”  He has children at home between the ages of 6 and 14, and he could have sought medical help. Only God knows how many other lives this particular Pastor has damaged with false visions and cruel opportunism. Our schools should teach love, but was it not in a Nigerian school that a student once slaughtered a teacher in broad daylight?

And was it not from a school that innocent young girls were carted away and abducted? Parents should help teach love too, but many parents are too busy monitoring that bank alert that will make them breathe easier. Marriage should nurture love, but was it not in Ibadan the other day that a young, married lady, drove a knife into her husband’s neck wounding him mortally because he had a child outside wedlock. And elsewhere in this same country, another married woman reportedly butchered her husband’s manhood, into two, because he was caught with another woman.

Yes, it is Valentine’s Day but it is the Devil that rules the heart of many. Pastor Amakiri has been quoted saying “Don’t blame the Devil, I did it.”  Of course, you did it, and are we supposed to clap for you?  The Devil has never been convicted in any court of law for committing a crime.  Think also of the usual stories about the shenanigans of governance and the oddities of public life. The list is endless, providing a sobering backdrop to all the ebb and flow of Valentine spirit.  People are taught the idea of love by the ritual of Valentine’s Day, but that is never enough for building relationships and a strong community of citizens. We need a society built on much deeper friendships and values.
This is perhaps partly why there have been anti-Valentine’s Day protests in India and Pakistan, where its celebration is said to be “against religious and cultural norms.” I don’t think a day will ever come when the Nigerian authorities will ban anyone from having a day of fun, even licentious fun, for those who are so predisposed. But if you must indulge in ribaldry, remember it is nonetheless a day for loving not dying, and that promoting love, friendship, good citizenship, and unity as shared communal values is important.  And if you are pro-Valentine and nobody remembers to send you a cake, a message, or a card, since there is this general expectation that everyone should celebrate Valentine, don’t despair, it is better to be loved everyday, than once.  As for me, I’ll spend the day with family and friends.
#LIB